Trump threatens 100% tariff on Canada over China deal
US President Donald Trump has warned he would impose sweeping 100 percent tariffs on Canadian goods if Ottawa proceeds with what he claims is a trade deal with China, escalating tensions between the two longtime allies.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump accused Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney of allowing Canada to become a gateway for Chinese products into the United States. He said Canada would face immediate and total tariffs if it pursued closer trade ties with Beijing, referring to Carney as a 'governor' rather than prime minister in a pointed slight.
'If Canada makes a deal with China, it will immediately be hit with a 100% Tariff against all Canadian goods and products coming into the USA,' Trump wrote, repeating his long-standing criticism of China’s global trade practices.
Canadian officials quickly pushed back. Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for Canada-US trade, said there was no plan for a free trade agreement with China. He clarified that a recent announcement between Ottawa and Beijing focused on resolving specific tariff disputes and stabilising commercial relations, not opening the door to unrestricted trade.
LeBlanc said Canada’s new government was focused on strengthening domestic growth while diversifying global trade partnerships in response to rising economic uncertainty.
Trump’s remarks come amid already strained relations. He has repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming the US '51st state' and has threatened tariffs since before returning to office in January 2025. He also withdrew an invitation for Carney to join his proposed 'Board of Peace'.
The dispute underscores Canada’s growing efforts to reduce dependence on the US market by expanding ties with Europe, Asia and the Middle East, even as Washington signals a tougher more confrontational trade stance.
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